The Weed High School football team had its troubles in Friday’s season-opening 34-7 loss at Etna.
“It was a good learning experience. We’re young and we will make changes,” said Steve Neel. “It’s going to take some time for us.”
It was evident that having only 13 players suited up had an impact on the team, which took the field with only three players who played varsity football before this season – two linemen and a running back.   
The Cougars gained 140 total yards, 110 yards rushing and 30 passing.   
Seventy-two of those yards came on their scoring drive late in the first and early second quarters. Neel was happy they could sustain a long drive.
Brandon Ede was the leading rusher with 56 yards and had the only score of the game. 
Quarterback Jake West was sacked four times, all in the second half. 
The defense held strong through most of the first half.  The Lions scored on the first play of the game with a 64 yard touchdown run 
Neel said all the players on defense made plays, “but I need them to play hard the entire game.”
Weed led 7-6 at the half, but then things changed.
Neel said Etna dominated the second half, chewing up the clock and making plays at will. 
“We have a long way to go and that’s why preseason is important to us,” Neel said.  “We’ll be successful in league.”
The cougars travel to Sehorn Field this Friday to play in the Black Butte Bowl against Mount Shasta.